Restaurant receives four AA rosettes

Old Downton Lodge in Ludlow has been awarded four AA rosettes, recognising culinary offerings of the highest standard.

The AA only bestowed four rosettes to two other restaurants in the whole of the UK during its latest round of inspections.

Head chef Karl Martin has been with the south Shropshire restaurant since 2014 and is building on an impressive catalogue of credentials. The business has been listed in the Michelin Guide since 2015 and has now increased their AA rosette haul from three to four.

Willem Vlok, owner of the Old Downton Lodge, said: “To be one of three restaurants in the UK to receive this award is a truly amazing honour. Full credit to Karl Martin and his team who have created a restaurant that rivals the elite of the industry. We are excited to see how we can build on this success.”

Identifying itself as a restaurant with rooms, rather than a hotel, Old Downton Lodge is set in a concoction of medieval and Georgian buildings, including a herb garden and cider press.

The AA inspector said: “Dating from Norman times, the restaurant has the feel of a medieval great hall with its stone walls, tapestry and chandelier. Dinner takes the form of a daily-changing menu, all built on local, home-grown and foraged produce of the highest order. Head chef Karl Martin's cooking is defined by its inherent simplicity, precision and intuitive balance.”

The Old Downton Lodge is part of the Shropshire County Hotels group, a collection of the best independent hotels in Shropshire.